Automatic transmission



Dec. 22, 1936. F ERD R 2,065,484

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Filed May 10, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 L m-' ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 22, 1936. .1. F. WERDER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Filed May 10, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

JbHJYFI I Z'RDER 2% m ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 22, 1936. wERDER 2,065,484

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Filed May 10, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR JOHN F WERDL'R BYfi ATTORNEY s of the gradually accelerating trammifl m mechawful-s 22, 1m,

aeroplane mssmssron Jam 1?. Ierier, Lakewood, on. I Application Iay mica, sum in. m r

This invention relates to apower with. an inmechanism for use in connection ternal combustion engine.

The object of the present invention is to device an automatic transmission mechanism by means ofwhichtherateofspcedofthedrivenshaftcan be gradually. accelerated from zero to any point desired but without' the usual neceaity of shiftim gears.

A further object consists in devking "such an automatic transmission mechanism by which the power is first transmitted through an intermediate mechanism for gradually rate of speed of the driven draft frun new to a point corresponding substantially with that of the drive shaftvand then automatically establlshing a direct driveconneetion between the drive and driven shafts, at-the same time discontinui'ng operation of the another object is to provide such an automatictransmission mechanism inwhich tlieoneration anism is under control of the accelerator of the engineduring thoseperiodsofopentionwhentherateufspeedofthedrivmshaftisbelowa certain predetermined point.

lore specifically, the object is to devise "such a device which includes a gradual and power transmission mechanismandwhichoper ata insuchamannerthattheactimtionofthk mcchanismwillbeautomaticallycontrolhdin accordance with the speed ofthe driven draft an that for all direct-drive below-a certain predetermined point, the gradually Imechanismmayberenderedeifcetireforthe purpoceofagaln'graduallybuildhigupthespeed ofthedrivenshaft.- p

Also, itisanobject tode'visesuchamcclnnism,asjustreferredto,inwhichanyvarhtion inthespeedofthedrivenshaftwillnotdflturb the direct-drive connection so low as the rate ofspeedof the driven shaftismaintainedabogea predetermined point.

Another object consists in devising such an automatic transmission mechanism in whidi there is provided'also a mean for automatically the graduallyacceleratingtnmmhim mechanismtoitsoriginalconditimsoasalways" to be readyfor operation. I ltlsalsoanobject ofthepl'e's'entinrentimto autolmtictransmisidnmcclnnismin which the-various parts aresoccnstructedand arrangedthattheywillco-operateinandldent The drive shaft from the engine is indicated by 23 M (Q. 1H1) and dependable manner and will afford the various advantages as hereinafter set forth;

Other objects will appear fromflthe following description and claims when considered together Figi. isfa'plan view 'of an assembly of automobile mechanism embodying my present invenand: 2'is a'side' elevation of the clutch pedal andotherparts Hgs.3and4areviews,-takenatrightanglcs to of a modified form of drum and .cable mechanism for use in the samecombinationasillustratedinlig. 1; '1igs'5and6illustratemodifled ofdrmnsadaptedforuseinstead nationshourinI-igJ. 1 i

ltistobeimderstood that the-present'autoof the combimatictransmission mechanismisembodied in an automobile mechanism in which the usual transmision, clutch, and accelerator together with their conventional forms of control levers are retained. These several conventionalparts of the-f amiliar-form of automobile engine are indicatedonlyinageneralwayforpurposes of present illustration.

The engine and clutch mechanism are indicated by' reference numeral I, the clutch pedal being indicated "by reference numeral 2. The carburetor is l c ted by reference numeral 3, the in"- a take manifold is indicated by reference numeral I, the butterfly valve in the intake manifold is indicated by reference numeral 6, and the accelerator pork! is indicated by reference numeral 0,

reference numeral land the driven shaft is indicated byzreference numeral I, these two shafts being in longitudinal alignment with each other.

'llie-'endofshaftlisboredoutsoastoreceive the correspondingly reduced end portion of the shaft I, thereby providing a hearing which is adapted to maintain these parts in proper alignment. The usual form of transmision is indi-' cated by reference numeral 9 with the lever arm ll for, manipulation 'thereoL,

V In the present invention, there is. provided a mechanism for gradually accelerating the tranamlmion of power from the driveahaft 1 to the driven shaft I so that with the conventional transmission set in any gear ratio, the rate of speed. the'drlvenshaftlmaybe builtupfrom --mrotoapproximatelythatofthedriveshaftpreto direct drive connection between the drive shaft I andthe driven shaft I.

'ihismechanismwillnowbeducribed.

operatively connected therewith; l0

The sprocket i I is freely mounted upon the shaft 1 and has drive connection through the sprocket chain i2 with the sprocket it which is fixed upon the shaft ll of the conical shaped drum l5. This drum is spirally grooved so as to accommodate the cable ii which'is adapted to be wound thereabout and which has its one end fixed at the point l1 to the small end of the drum ii,

The other end of the cable It is fixed atthe point It to the smaller end of the conical 'drum I! which is also suitably grooved so as to accommodate the cable i6 which is adapted to be spirally wound thereabout. It will be observed that the drums i5 and I9 are arranged in reverse manner with respect to the taper thereof. The drum l9 and the drum l5 are both suitably mounted within the frame structure of the mechanism while the drum i9 is adapted to drive the sprocket 29 which is fixedly mounted upon the shaft 2! of thedrum i9. The sprocket 20 is adapted to drive the sprocket wheel 22 through the sprocket chain connection 23, the sprocket 22 being freely mounted upon the driven shaft 9. The one face of the sprocket 22 is formed as a ratchet 24 which has operative engagement with the pawl 25 carried by the clutch member 28 which is fixedly mounted upon the driven shaft 8. Thus, there is pro--, vided a one-way drive connection between the sprocket 22 and the driven shaft 9, in other words, between the drum l9 and the driven shaft 9.

By having the ends of the cable fastened to the drums, this mechanism is positive in its action and there is no danger of slippage.

In the accompanying illustration, it will be observed that the small end of drum i5 is approximately one-fourth the size of the large end of drum i9, this ratio corresponding approximately tothat of conventional low gear. Thus, with the transmission 9 set in high gear, there can be obtained the advantage of low gear during the initialstarting period, and the speed can be increased gradually from this point up to any point desired but without requiring any shifting of the conventionalgears.

' The number of turns required on drum [5 will vary with the type of vehicle upon which the mechanism is employed, one hundred (100) turns being sufllcient for a small automobile while three hundred (300) or more turns may be required on heavy duty vehicles, as for instance large trucks or busses.

The drums l5 and i9 may be formed of various shapes. For instance as illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings, drum 1!" might bemade cylindrical and drum ii of a more conical form without any difference in the result obtained. Or as illustrated in Fig. 5, drum ll might be made with a cylindrical middle portion it" in order to allow time for the motor to accelerate at an intermediate rate of speed before permitting the rate of speed to be further advanced, the drum I9' being cylindrical. In both of these modifications (Figs. 5 and 6) the larger end of the tapered drum is of substantially the same or slightly less diameter than the companion cylindrical drum, the same thing being true of the form indicated in Fig. 1.

Instead of the form of drums and cable illustrated in Fig. l, the drums might be of the form indicated at I! and i9 in Figs. 3 and 4, in which where several hundred turns are required for proper acceleration and where the matter of space is a. vital consideration. Otherwise, the mechanism would be the same, with the possible exception that disk or cone clutches might be substituted for the dog type of clutch indicated in the present illustration, for the purpose of facilitating synchronization in such modified form of drum.

The drive connection of the sprocket H, which is loosely mounted upon the shaft ,1, is rendered effective by means of an intermediate double clutch mechanism which is splined upon the end portion of shaft 1. This double clutch mechanism comprises the clutch face 21 which is adapted for interconnection with the clutch face 29 provided upon the one side and as part of the sprocket Ii. The clutch face 21 is connected with the other part 29 of the double intermediate clutch by means of the bolts 29 which are fixedly mounted upon the marginal portion of the disk II of the clutch member 29 and which extend through holes in the marginal portion of the clutch member 21. These parts are normally maintained in effective engagement with each other by means of the spiral springs 32 which surround the bolts 99, the springs 32 bearing against the enlarged head portions of the bolts 39 and the'clutch member 21. This double clutch or connecting means is adapted to be manipulated by means of a yoke lever arm 33, the ends of which engage in a suitably formed groove 34 provided in the double clutch mechanism and which is pivotally mounted at the I point 35 upon the bracket 99..

The other end of the lever 39 is pivotally connected at the point 91 to the one end of the toggle link 39 which is pivotally connected at its other end 99 with the plunger 49 which in turn has operative abutting engagement with the cam ll provided upon the lower end of the clutch pedal 2. The clutch pedal 2 has also pivotally connected thereto at the point 42 the plunger rod 49 of the plunger 49 within the vacuum cylinder ll. Briefly, the plunger 49 is adapted to be maintained in withdrawn position (as in Fig. 1) by force of suction from the intake manifold of the engine but is released from such position by actuation of the accelerator. The means for controlling the operation of this part of the mechanism will be explained later.

With the parts just described in the position indicated in full lines, the clutch member 21 will be brought into engagement with the clutch member 28 as part of the operation which is effected by actuation of the accelerator-of the engine and through the instrumentality of the closing of the regular clutch as part of the same operation, to be more fully hereinafter explained; that is, upon actuation of the accelerator, the conventional clutch will be automatically released so as to close,-

and, as part of the same manipulation, the clutch members 21 and 29 will be engaged. These parts are so constructed and designed in their operation that the engagement of the clutch faces 21 and 29 will be effected immediately prior to actual engagement of the conventional clutch which is here indicated in a general way by reference numeral i,

Thus, with the clutch members 21 and 29 in operative engagement with each other and with the automobile engine in operation and'with the conventional transmission set in high gear, power will be transmitted from the shaft 1 through the clutch members 21, 29, sprocket chain l2. sprocket wheel I3, and the drum and cable mechanism ll,

il,ll,soastowindthecablelromihedmlnll 76 .Thus, the power is transmitted from the drive shaft 1 through the intermediate gradually accelerating mechanism to the driven shaft 8. Then assuming that the conventional transmission 8 has been set in high gear, the rate of speed. of the driven shaft 8 will be gradually accelerated from zero to approximately that of the drive shaft, at which point there is automatically established direct drive connection and then the speed can be further increased to any point desired and without any shifting of gears. This same mechanlsmcan be operated with the conventional transmission set in any 01' the several gear ratios.

When the drum and cable mechanism has completed its operation, the direct drive connection between the drive shaft 1 and the driven shaft 8 is established by automatically effecting operative connection between the clutch members 28 and 29 in substitution for the drive connection between the clutch members 21 and 28. In other words,

the direct drive connection is substituted in place of the gradually accelerating drive connection. A fuller understanding of this manner of operation will be later obtained.

I have provided also a means for automatically re-winding the cable i8 from the drum |5 on to the drum I8 in case there should be a release of the accelerator pedal 8 during operation of the drum and cable mechanism or when the direct drive connection is established, this arrangement being for the purpose of restoring the drum and cable mechanism to its original or initial condition and thereby render the same ready for repeated operation at anytime as may be necessary.

This re-winding mechanism comprises the small electric motor 5| which has the sprocket 52 fixedly mounted upon the shaft of the rotor of the motor and which is adapted to drive the sprocket 53 through the sprocket chain connection 54. The sprocket 53 is fixedly mounted upon the shaft 2| of the drum I9. It is to be understood that the motor 5| is adapted to turn the shaft 2| in a direction opposite to that in which it is turned during the period of speed acceleration.

As soon as the automatic speed accelerating mechanism is set into operation, the switch in the circuit of the motor 5| is automatically closed so that the motor will immediately become effective for the re-wind operation as soon as the accelerator pedal 8 is released during operation of the drum and cable mechanism or when the direct drive connection is established. This closing of the motor circuit is accomplished by means of the worm gear 55 which is mounted upon the shaft 2| and which operates the gear 58 clockwise which in turn carries the cam member 51 for engaging the switch 58 to close the motor circuit 59, as indicatedby dotted line position of switch 58. These parts are so constructed and arranged that as soon as the drum l9 begins to rotate, the cam 51 will immediately close the switch 58 so that the motor 5| will then be ready for the re-wind operation. However, during the operation of the drum or cable mechanism during the period of speed ac-, celeration, the rotor of the motor 5| will be pulled backwards by the comparatively greater force of the shaft 2| and consequently the motor 5| will be of no effect so long as the drum and cable mechanism is active.

As soon as the drum and cable mechanism ceases operation at any time, the motor 5| will at once become effective for operation of the shaft 2| in the reverse direction so as to re-wind the cable l8 upon the drum I8.

The cam 51 is also adapted to engage the finger 88 which extends from the rod 8| and which is adapted to force this rod downwardly so as to thereby break the toggle 38 which is thus moved to the dotted line position indicated in Fig'. 1. For this purpose, the rod 8| has pivotal connection at 82 with the link 83 which is pivotally connected -at 84 with the joint of the toggle 38. At this same point 84, there is also pivotally connected the plunger rod 85 which is pivotally connected at its other end with the plunger 88 in the vacuum cylinder 81. Briefly, plunger 88 is adapted to be set in elevated position, (as in Fig. 1), by force of suction from the intake manifold of the engine. This force of suction is released by actuation of the accelerator, as will be more fully-explained.

The breaking of the toggle 38 by means of the cam 51 engaging the projection 80 in the manner just explained, is effected at a point in the operation of the speed-accelerating mechanism when the cable |8 has been practically entirely wound onto the drum l5. In other words, these two ,drums are so designed that when the cable l8 extends between the large end portion of the drum l5 and the small end portion of the drum IS, the drum |9 will be operating at a speed slightly less than that of the drum l5. In this connection, it

will be observed that the small end portion of the drum l8 and also the large end portion of the drum l5 are of substantially cylindrical form. Thus, during this period of speed acceleration,

there is a; slight differential between the rates of by virtue of the slight differential between the 7 speeds of these two members as just referred to.

As the clutch member 28 is first moved into engagement with the clutch member 28, the clutch member 21 will still remain in engagement with the clutch member 28 so long as there is a driving engagement between the'clutch members 21 and 28. The simultaneous connection of the clutch members 29 and 21 with their respective companion clutch members is permitted by the compression of the springs 32 as the clutch member 28 is moved awayfrom the clutch member 21. Then when the clutch member 29 has been effectively brought into engagement with the clutch member 28 so as to establish a direct drive connection from the shaft 1 to the clutch member 28 which is fixedly mounted upon the shaft 8, the one-way drive connection between the pawl 25 and the ratchet 24 is discontinued by virtue of the fact that the clutch member 28 is now operating at a rate of speed in advance of that of the ratchet 24. At the same time, the driving engagement between the clutch members 21 and 28 is discontinued so as to permit the clutch member 21 to be removed from engagement with the clutch member 28 by force of the springs 32 and there is thus established direct drive connection between the shaft 1 and the shaft 8.

Then with the driving connection through the clutch members 21 and 28 discontinued, the rotor of the electric motor 5| is permitted to be turned so as to re-wind the cable I8 upon the drum l8. This re-winding operation will continue until the cam 51 has been-turned in a counter-clockwise direction so as to open the switch 58, whereupon the operation of the motor 5| is stopped.

Each of the drums I5 and I8 is provided with a brake shoe 89 and a spring 88 arranged in the housing 10 for the purpose of insuring proper stopping of the rotation of these drums and thereby preventing any over-running. In this way the cable is kept in taut condition at all times.

As a means of preventing any sudden jerks being transmitted from the shaft 8 through the transmission 8, I have provided a slip coupling H which may be of any suitable form of construction.

When the direct drive connection between th shafts l and 8 has been established in the manner above explained, it will not be interrupted by release of the accelerator so long as the rate of speed of operation of the shaft 8 is maintained above a certain predetermined point, there being provided an automatic control mechanism for this purpose. In case, however, the rate of speed of the shaft 8 should for any reason fall below such pre-determined point, then release of the accelerator will cause the direct drive connection between the shafts l and 8 to be discontinued; and then upon renewed actuation of the accelerator, the operation of the drum and cable mechanism will be again initiated for again gradually building up the speed of the shaft 8 up to the point desired, in the same manner as above explained.

For this purpose, I have provided the centrifugal control 12 which is operated through the bevel gear connections 73 and 14 from the shaft 8, the gear '14 being fixedly mounted thereupon. The centrifugal control 12 has operative connection with the lever '15 which is pivotally mounted at the point 18 in a suitable bracket and which has operative connection with the vertically disposed plunger rod 11' connected at its other end to the plunger ll-l8 arranged within the casing 18. In a general way, the function of the centrifugal control 12 is to operate the piston or plunger valve 18 in accordance with the speed of the shaft 8 so as to prevent the accelerator manipulation from affecting the suction and thereby permit relaxation of the accelerator without interrupting the direct drive connection above a certain speed. The operative connections by which this control is effected will be more fully understood from the following.

In the present system as herein disclosed and as above briefly referred to, I have utilized the suction from the intake manifold of the engine as a means for controlling the positions of the plungers 48 and 88, and in this connection, I have provided plunger valves which are adapted to regulate the communication of the force of suction from the manifold, all under control of the accelerator pedal and the centrifugal control means 12. This control system will now be described.

The pipe 88 provides a connection between the intake manifold 4 and the cylindrical casing 8| within which the piston valves 82 and 83 are adjustable. The valves 82 and 83 are connected together, as indicated by reference numeral 84, and this combination of valves is adapted for adjustment by means of the rod 85 which is connected to the valve 82 and which is also provided with the button 88 for operative engagement with the lever arm 81 of the butterfly valve 8. The rod 85 has pivotal connection at the point 88 with the lever arm 88 which is pivotally mounted at the point 88 and is connected at its other end 8| with the accelerator pedal 8. The spring 82 normally returns the accelerator pedal 8 to inactive position upon release of the same.

As indicated in Fig. 1, the pipe 88 opens into the casing 8| in the middle portion thereof and is adapted to communicate with the space allowed between the piston valves 82 and 83 according to the position indicated in the drawings.

The pipe 83 has communication at its one end I with the space in the casing 8| between the valves 82 and 83 and communicates at its other end with the middle part of the casing I8, that is, the pipe 83 opens into the space between the piston valves I1 and 18 according to the position shown in Fig. 1.

The casing 8| is provided with thepipe 84 which opens to the atmosphere while the casing I8 is provided with the pipe 85 which also opens to the atmosphere.

The casing 18 has the pipe 88 opening from the middle part thereof, that is, from the space between the valves 11 and I8, and communicates at its other end with the pipe 81 which extends from the cylinders 81 and 58. these points of communication with these cylinders being at the rear of the plungers 88 and 48.

With the control system in the condition as indicated in Fig. 1 and with the engine in operation but without actuation of theaccelerator as yet, the double clutch or connecting means will occupy neutral position as indicated in Fig. l, and there will be no transmission of power whatever from the shaft 1 to the'shaft 8. The conventional clutch is open, as indicated by the depressed position of the clutch pedal 2 which is held in such position by the force of suction from the intake manifold through the pipe 88, casing 8|, pipe 83, casing 18, pipe 88, pipe 81, and casing 58. Thus, the force of suction from the intake manifold is effective in maintaining the plunger 48 in the position indicated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Also, with the parts in the condition just referred to, that is, with the engine idling but without actuation of the accelerator, the force of suction will likewise be effective through the pipe 88, pipe 81, and the cylinder 81 so as to maintain the plunger 88 in elevated position, as indicated in Fig. 1. With the plunger 88 insuch elevated position, the toggle links 38 are maintained in raised or substantially straightened position with the toggle joint raised slightly above dead center.

With the system in such condition as Just referred to, it is to be understood also that the switch 58 is open and that the cam 51 is in position just to the right of the switch 58 and is ready to close the same immediately upon initiation of the operation of the drum and cable mechanism, as before explained.

It is to be understood also that the parts are so constructed and arranged that the spring 88 will not close the clutch 28 into engagement with the clutch 28 so long a the toggle links 38 oocupy raised or straightened position, as indicated in Fig. 1. Neither will the clutch member 21 engage the clutch member 28 until the straightened toggle links 38 have been actuated, in the manner above explained, by the release of the holding force of suction upon the rear of the plunger 48.

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Fig. 1, so as to close the openingof the pipe 88 and uncover the opening of the pipe 94. In this way, the communication of suction into the easing or chamber 8| is discontinued and the pipe 83, through the casing 8|, is thereby opened to atmosphere through the pipe 94. The eflfect of this manipulation is to discontinue the force of suction upon the plungers 66 and 48 and thereby permit the clutch to close, the clutch pedal at this time moving toward the left, as viewed in the drawings, so as to engage the rod 48 and thereby move the straightened toggle levers 88 toward the left so as to close the clutch members- 21 and 28 for operation of the drum and cable mechanism, as above explained. These clutch members are actually closed prior to engagement of the conventional clutch.

It will be understood also that as soon as the force of suction is relieved from the rear side of the plunger 66, the rod 63 is then free to be moved downwardly 'for the purpose of breaking the toggle joint 38 as soon as the cam 51 is turned to the proper point for engagement with the projection 68 in the manner above explained.

' It will be recalled that the purpose of breaking the toggle joint 38 so as to occupy the dotted line position is to permit the force of the spring 68 to i be exerted for closing of the clutch members 28 i and 26 to thereby establish direct drive connection between the shafts I and 8.

During operation of the drum and cable mechanism for gradually'building up the speed of the shaft 8, that is,-while and so long as the clutch members 21 and 28 are in engagement, the accelerator pedal 6 may, if required or desired, be released at any time and, as before explained, such release of the accelerator will permit re-winding of the cable l6 automatically in the manner already explained. Then, upon again actuating the accelerator, the drum and cable mechanism will be again operated. for transmission of power to the shaft 8. Uninterrupted actuation of the accelerator will cause continued operation of the drum and cable mechanism until such operation iscompleted and the direct drive connection is established in the manner above explained.

Operation of the drum and cable mechanism will continue even upon release of the accelerator 6, provided that the speed of the shaft 8 is above or not below a certain predetermined point, as above stated. This'is madepossible by the centrifugal control mechanism 12 which, as before explained, has operative connection with the plunger valves 11 and 18 which are connected together so as to be operated as a unit.

Assuming that the speed of the shaft 8 through the direct-drive connection is greater than miles per hour for which the centrifugal control I2 is set, then in case the accelerator pedal 6 should be released and so long as the speed of the shaft 8 continues at a point above 15 milesv per hour, the direct drive connection between the shafts I and 8 will not be interrupted. This ,control is made possible by the movement of the valves 11 and I8 upwardly through the operative connections with the centrifugal control 12 so as to close the entrance of pipe 93 into the chamber 19 and at the same time open the chamber 18 to the atmospheric connection through pipe 95. In this way, the force of suction from the intake manifold is no longer communicated through. the chamber 19 and the pipes 86 and 91 and this suction has no effect whatever upon the chambers 58 or 61 even though the accelerator has been released. Thus, so long as the speed of shaft 8 continues above the predetermined point for which the centrifugal control I2 is set, the direct drive connection between shafts I and 8 will continue regardless of the position of the accelerator pedal 6 and the valves 82 and 88.

If, however, the speed of shaft 8 should be below 15 miles per hour with the direct drive between shafts l and 8, then the centrifugal control of the valves l1 and 18 will not be effective but these two valves will be permitted to occupy the position indicated in Fig. 1 so as to afford communication of the force of suction from the intake manifold through the chamber 18 and the pipes 86 and 81 to the cylinders 68 and 61. This means that upon reduction in the speed of the shaft 6 below the predetermined point and upon release of the accelerator pedal 6, the conventional clutch will be automatically released by the,

force of suction through the connections just referred to and consequently, the direct drive connection will be interrupted by a return of the intermediate double clutch member to neutral position. Then, upon renewed actuation of the accelerator, the drum and cable mechanism may be brought into operation in the same manner as above described. In this connection, it will be understood that while the clutch members 28 and 26 are in engagement, the toggle links 88 are in dotted line position (Fig. 1), and that upon restoration of the force of suction to the cylinder 61 upon lowering of the speed of shaft 8 below the predetermined point, the toggle links 88 will be drawn upwardly into substantially straight or locked position, as indicated in full lines in Fig. 1. Such action will withdraw the clutch member 28 from engagement with the clutch member 26 so as to interrupt the direct drive connection between shafts I and 8, and the intermediate double clutch will then occupy neutral position as above referred to.

It is to be understood that the conventional clutch and transmission can be employed at any time desired. For instance, in case of starting on a steep hill, the transmission 8 should be set in low or intermediate gear ratio. In intermediate gear, there will be obtained a very rapid and powerful acceleration by means of the drum and cable mechanism. when the proper rate of speed has been reached in intermediate gear, the gear ratio will be shifted to high, in the usual manner.

If the rate of speed of propulsion of the vehicle, while in high or intermediate gear, should fall to a point where, except for the present invention, the gear ratio would be shifted to intermediate or low gear, as the case might be, the operator may momentarily release the accelerator, thereby interrupting the direct drive connection, and then immediately again depress the accelerator pedal so as to set into operation the drum and cable the accelerator pedal, thereby permitting the cable to be re-wound upon drum l5; and then upon immediately again depressing the accelerator pedal, the drum and cable mechanism may be given renewed operation at an increased rate of speed so as to obtain the speed desired preparatory to establishment of the direct drive connection. Since the quantity of fuel fed to the engine by actuation of the accelerator will determine the power transmitted to the drum I! for operation of the drum and cable mechanism, it will be readily understood how the manipulation just mentioned is possible.

To recapitulate, the main operations are as follows: The engine having been started but only idling, the conventional transmission can be set in high gear and then upon actuation of the accelerator the drum and cable mechanism will be operated so as to transmit power to the driven shaft at a gradually increasing rate of speed. Any release of the accelerator during this period will automatically effect re-winding of the cable. Upon completion of the operation of the drum and cable mechanism, the direct drive connection is automatically established and may be continued at increased speed, as desired, by continued actuation of the accelerator. Thus, the rate of speed of the driven shaft can be gradually accelerated from zero to any point desired by first setting the conventional transmission in high gear and without any shifting of gears therein.

So long as the rate of speed of the driven shaft continues above a certain point, the direct drive connection will not be interrupted by release of the accelerator pedal. But, should this speed fall below such point, then the direct drive connection will be automatically interrupted upon release of the accelerator pedal; and then upon again actuating the accelerator, the drum and cable mechanism will be set into operation so as to gradually build up the speed to any point desired.

The advantages resulting from my improved automatic transmission mechanism will be apparent to those who are skilled in the art to which my invention relates.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is merely for purposes of illustration and that other modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as herein set forth and claimed.

What I claim is:

1. In a power-transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, motive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between'said drive and driven shafts, a gradually progressive powertransmitting means including drum and cable mechanism adapted for operative connection between said drive and driven shafts, means for rendering said progressive power-transmitting means operative, and means whereby operation of said progressive power-transmitting means will effect engagement of said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

2. In a power-transmission mechanism, the

combination-of a drive shaft, a driven shaft,

motive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said drive and driven shafts, an accelerator for said motive means, a combined drum and cable means adapted for gradually and progressively transmitting power from said drive shaft to said driven shaft, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection between said drive and driven shafts, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will render said power-transmitting means operative, and means whereby operation of said power transmitting 'means will effect engagement of said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

4. In a power transmission mechanism, the

combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, an internal combustion engine for operating said drive shaft, a conventional transmission afiording the usual speed ratios for forward and reverse propulsion, a gradually progressive powertransmitting means adapted'for operative connection between said drive and driven shafts, an accelerator for said engine, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will render said power-transmitting means operative for any given speed ratio of the conventional transmission, and means whereby operation of said powertransmitting means will effect engagement of said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

5. In a power transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, an internal combustion engine for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said drive and-driven shafts, an accelerator for said engine, a clutch in said drive shaft between said engine and connecting means, a conventional transmission affording the usual speed ratios for forward and reverse propulsion, a gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection between said drive anddriven shafts, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will render said powertransmitting means and said clutch operative for any given speed ratio of the conventional transmission, and means whereby operation of said progressive power-transmitting means will effect engagement of said connecting means so as 'to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven-shafts.

6. In a power transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, an internal combustion engine for operating said drive shaft, an accelerator for said engine, a

conventional transmission affording the usual speed ratios between the drive and driven shafts for forward and reverse propulsion, a clutch between said engine and transmission, means for manipulating said transmission and clutch in the conventional manner, a gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection temporarily in said drive shaft, and means whereby said gradually progressive powertransmitting means may be rendered effective.

7. In a power transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, an internal combustion engine for operating said transmitting mechanism including a combined drive shaft, an accelerator for said engine, a conventional transmission-affording the usual speed ratios between the drive and driven shafts for forward and reverse propulsion, a clutch be- I tween said engine and transmission, means for manipulating said transmission and clutch intbe conventional manner, a gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection temporarily in said drive shaft, and means adapted'for actuation in conjunction with said accelerator whereby said gradually progressive power-transmitting means may-be rendered eifective.

g ,8. In a power transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, an

internal combustion engine for operating said drive shaft, an accelerator for .said engine, a

conventional transmission affording the usual speed ratios between the drive and driven shafts forforward and reverse propulsionpa clutch between said engine and transmission, meansflfo'r' manipulating said transmission and clutch in the conventional manner, a gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection temporarily in said drive shaft, and means whereby actuation of said accelerator will power-transmitting render said progressive means effective.

9. In a power-transmission mechanism, the

combination of 'a drive shaft, a driven shaft,

motive means for operating said drive shaft, an

accelerator for saidmotive means, a disengage- ,able dual connecting means arranged" between said drive and driven shafts, one partof said connecting means comprising a gradually progressive power-transmitting means, and the other part of said connecting means comprising a, clutch for direct drive connection'between said drive and driven shafts, and means whereby actuation of 'said accelerator will render said progressive power-transmitting means operative and continued operation of. said progressive powertransmitting means will-automatically effect en gagement: of said clutch for direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts. I

10.- In a device-of the class described, a driven shaft, 9. gradually progressive power-transmit.-

v ting mechanism for driving said driven shaft, said mechanism including a combined drum and cable means, means'for operating said drum and cable 1 A means in one direction for effective operation of said driven shaft, and means for automatically operatingsaid drum and cable means idly in the reverse direction upon release of said first operating means so as to re-windsaid drum. and cable means,-

.11. In a device of the class described, a driven shaft, a power means, a gradually progressive power-transmitting mechanism including a com- ,bined drum and cable means, means for connecting said power means through said powertra'nsmitting mechanism ,to said driven shaft so as to. gradually accelerate the speed of said driven shaft, means for automatically connecting said power means direct to said driven shaft upon completion of-operation of said power-transmitting mechanism and at the same time disconnecting said power-transmitting mechanism, and means for automatically operating said drum and cable means idly in the reverse direction upon release of said power means therefrom so as to re'-,

,- wind said drum andcable means.

' 12. In a device of the class described, a driven shaft, a power means, an accelerator for said power means, a gradually progressive power drum and cable means and havin a conical element as part thereof, meanscontrolled by manipulation of said accelerator for connecting said power means, through said power-transmitting mechanism to said driven shaft so as to gradualiy accelerate the speed of said driven shaft,

means for automatically connecting said power means direct to said driven shaft upon completion of operation ofsa'id power-transmitting mechanism and at the same time disconnecting said power-transmittingmechanism, and means for automatically operating said drum and'cable means idly in the reverse direction upon release of said accelerator so (cable means. t

13. In a power-transmission mechanism, the

as to rewind said drum and combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, mo-

tive means for operating said drive shaft, an accelerator for said motive means,- a conventional clutch in said drive shaft, a disengageable dual connecting means arranged between said drive and driven shafts, one part of said connecting means comprising a gradually progressive powert'ransmitting means, and the other part of said connecting means comprising anadditional clutch for direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts,an operative connection between said conventional clutch and said connecting means whereby closing movementof said conventional clutch will also render said povv er-v transmitting means operative, means for holding said operative connection in position for such op-- eration, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will close said clutch and also release said holding means, means whereby operation of said power-transmitting means will remove said operative connection from said position, and means for eflecting engagement of said additional clutch upon removal of said operativeconnction from such position, thereby establishing direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts. 14. In a device of the class described, a driven shaft, a' gradually progressive power-transmitting mechanism for driving said driven shaft, said mechanism including a combined drum and .cable means, an internal combustion engine for operating said drum and cable means in one direction for effective operation of said driven shaft, an

accelerator for said engine, and means for automaticaliy operating said drum and cable means' idly in the reverse direction upon release ofsaid, accelerator, so as to thereby re-wind said drum;

means comprisingian additional clutch for direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts, an operative connection between said conventional clutch and said connecting means wherebyclosing movement of said conventional clutch will also render said power-transmitting means operative, means for holding said operative connection in position for such operation, means whereby actuation and release of saidaccelerator will close andopen said clutch, respectively, and

respectively, means whereby operation of said power-transmitting means will remove said op-. erative connection from said .position, means for effecting engagement of said additional clutch upon removal of said operative, connection from said position, thereby establishing direct drive connection between said :drive and driven shafts. and means for automatically operating Said drum and cable means idly in the reverse direction upon release of said accelerator so as to re wind said drum and cable means and also restore said means, and the other part of said connectingmeans comprising an additional clutch for direct drive connection between said drive and driven] shafts, an operative connection between said conventional clutch and said connecting means whereby closing movement of said conventional clutch will also render said power-transmitting means operative, means for holding said operative connection in position for such operation, means whereby release and actuation of said accelerator, .only when said driven shaft is beingv operated below -a.predetermined rate of speed will open and close vsaid conventional clutch,

- respectively, and also restore and release said holding means, respectively, means whereby operation of said power-transmitting means will remove said operative connection from said position, means for effecting engagement of said additional clutch upon removal of said operative connection from said position, thereby establishing direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts, and means for automatically operating said drum and cable means idly in the reverse direction upon release of said accelerator so as to thereby re-wind said drum and cable.

means and also restore said operative connection to its former said position.

17. In a power-transmission mechanism, the

combination of a drive shaft, a driven-shaft,

motive means for operatingsaid drive shaft, an

accelerator for said motive means, a conventional clutch in said driven shaft, a disengageable dual connecting means arranged between said drive and driven shafts, one part of said connecting means comprising a gradually progressive powertransmitting means, said power-transmitting means including a combined drum and cable means, and the other part of said connecting means comprising an additional clutch for direct drive connection between said drive and'driven shafts, an operative connection between said conventional clutch and said connecting means whereby closing movement of said conventional clutch will also render said power-transmitting means operative, means for holding said operative connection in position for such operation, means whereby release and actuation of said accelerator will open and close said clutch, respectively, and also restore and release said hold ing means, respectively, a motor for operating said .drum and cable means idly in the reverse direction so as to re-wind the same, means operatspoons;

will also release and restore said holding means,-

able by said power-transmitting means for establis'hing operative connections for said motor and for removing said operative connection from said position, said last-named means being operstable in the reversedirection by said motor so as to restore said operative connection to its said position and to discontinue operative connections in said motor, and means for effecting engagement-of said additional clutch upon removal of said operative connection from said position, thereby establishing direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

18. In a power-transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, mo-. tive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said drive anddriven shafts, an accelerator for said motive means, a gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection between said drive and driven shafts, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will render said progressive power-transmitting means operative, and means whereby operation of said progressive power-transmitting means will effect engagement of said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts, and means, operatable only when said driven shaft is operated below a predetermined'rate of speed, whereby said direct drive connection will be automatically interrupted so that operation of said power-transmitting means may then be resumed upon actuation of said accelerator.

19. In a power-transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, motive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said drive and driven shafts, an accelerator for said motive means, a gradually progressive power-transmitting means adapted for operative connection between said drive and driven shafts, means whereby actuation of said accelerator will render said progressive power-transmitting .means operative,

means whereby operation of said progressivepower-transmitting means will effect engagement of said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts, and means whereby, above a predetermined rate of speed of said driven shaft, said accelerator may be released without disturbing the direct drive connection between the drive 'anddriven shafts.

20. In a power transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, motive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said drive and driven shafts, a gradually progressive powertransmitting means adapted for operative-connection between said drive and driven shafts,

said power-transmitting means including a pair of reels and a flat cable adapted to be unwound from the one and wound upon the other reel in coils of decreasing and increasing diameters respectively, means for rendering said progressive power-transmitting means operative, and means whereby operation of said progressive powertransmitting means will effect engagement of' said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

21. In a power-transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shaft, a driven shaft, motive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said driveand driven shafts, a gradually progressive posi- 16 tive power-transmitting means including me! and flat tape mechanism adapted for operative connection between said drive and driven shafts. means for rendering said progressive powertransmitting means operative, and means whereby operation of said progressive power-transmitting means will eii'ect engagement of said connecting means. so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between saiddrive and driven shafts.

22. In a power transmission mechanism, the combination ot a drive shaft, a driven shaft, motive means for operating'said drive shalt, disengageable connecting means'between said drive and driven shafts, a gradually progressive powertransmitting means adapted tor operative connection between said drive and driven shaitsgsaid power-transmitting means including a plurality of reels and flat tape means adapted to be unwound irom one and wound upon another reel in coils of decreasing and increasing diameters respectively, means for rendering said p powerqtran'smitting means operative, and means whereby operation of said progressive power transmitting means will eilect engagement of said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

23. In a power-transmission mechanism, the combination of a drive shait, a driven shaft, motive means for operating said drive shaft, disengageable connecting means between said drive and driven shafts, a gradually progressive powertransmitting adapted for operative connection between said drive and driven shai'ts, means for rendering said progressive powertransmitting means operative, and automatically actuated means whereby operation of said progressive power-transmitting means will automatically eilect engagement oi said connecting means so as to thereby establish direct drive connection between said drive and driven shafts.

JOHN I". WEB-DER. 

